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Business, Marketing, Tech, and PRMon, 19 Mar 2018 11:56:07 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.5http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/cropped-wobmavatar1-32x32.jpgWords of a Broken Mirrorhttp://wordsofabrokenmirror.com
3232WordsOfABrokenMirrorhttps://feedburner.google.comThe Truth About Online Datinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/C5TK4GQ7U-Y/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/03/15/truth-online-dating-technology/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 14:15:52 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5494It’s fair to say that technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives. Transforming the way we shop, network, connect, learn, and love, we can feel its influence everywhere, but never more so than in the world of modern dating.

Yet there is still a certain air of mystery shrouding it, particularly for those who have never given it a go themselves. People can be reluctant to share their stories, for fear that the resultant romance will be somehow looked down upon for its less-than-traditional beginnings.

That’s why we wrote this article. Seeking to ease any fears of what it might be like with some cold hard facts to clarify the reality, we hope you find it enlightening…

Attitudes towards it are warming

Whether you meet your partner dating in London on Badoo or through more traditional channels, you’ll likely find that people’s attitudes will be increasingly accepting of your modern-day love story. The statistics show that much of the stigma surrounding the former has abated, with the majority of people (59 percent) now believing that online dating is a good way to meet people. What’s more, nearly half of all those asked claimed to know someone who had met their spouse or partner in this way – a promising statistic for those who want to give it a go themselves.

Online dating is more popular than ever amongst young adults

It’s fair to say that there was a time when online dating was believed to be the preserve of the older generation, but plenty of under 25s are now giving it a go. In fact, 27 percent of all 18-to-24-year-olds use online dating apps and sites. Unsurprisingly given the millennial obsession with smartphones, mobile-based technology is particularly popular amongst this demographic.

You’re not alone if you don’t know how to sell yourself

One thing that lots of people struggle with when they choose to give online dating a go is knowing how to sell themselves. If this is a scenario you’ve experienced, know that you’re not alone. According to the statistics, one in five online daters admit to having asked someone they know for help with their profiles, with the majority of these individuals turning to their friends for advice. Women are especially likely to have done this, with 30 percent confessing that their profile was not solely their own creation.

Plenty of people tell a little white lie on their profile

On that note, it might also comfort you to know that not everyone is quite as they appear. Although it can feel like you’re surrounded by unobtainable women or incredibly successful men, don’t be intimidated into not contacting them. The truth is that plenty of people tell little white lies on their profile, and are actually more approachable in person. According to global research agency Opinionmatters, 20 percent of women are guilty of using an older photo in which they’re younger and thinner, whilst 40 percent of men are not entirely truthful when describing their level of professional success. Turns out you’re not the only one who’s less than perfect after all!

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Half of all singles have never asked someone on a date face to face

One criticism that’s frequently levied at online dating is that it creates an artificial environment for connecting with people. The truth is that, for many, it’s the only place where they feel comfortable doing so. According to the statistics, over half of all single adults have never actually asked someone out in person. For those who this applies to, meeting over the internet can be an ideal alternative, offering a social crutch to boost their confidence and reduce their fear of rejection.

Men are more likely to use online dating than women

Although one might argue that it’s more socially acceptable for females to admit to their friends that they’ve tried online dating, the numbers show that it’s men who are more likely to sign up for some technologically-based help. The divide is not a significant one – with 52.4 percent of users being male compared to 47.6 percent being women – but it is there.

They’re the perfect place to meet your soul mate

It may not seem this way on the surface, but as we alluded to earlier, they can also be a great place to find someone who is perfect marriage material. With one third of unions coming about with the help of dating sites or apps, they can actually offer a fantastic opportunity to meet not just casual hook-ups, but long-term partners too.

People who meet online marry quicker

Not only is it perfectly possible to meet the person you’ll marry online, but you’re also likely to find your way to the altar much more quickly than those who meet through more traditional channels. Experts suggest this is because nobody finds themselves on a dating site by accident. Rather, they sign up with the specific intention of meeting someone, and most don’t want to waste their time once they have their significant other in their sights.

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Online marriages are more likely to go the distance

You might not be planning to pop the question anytime soon, but if you do find love online, you may find it reassuring to know that your marriage is likely to go the distance rather than ending in a messy divorce. Although they’re often erroneously viewed as a tool for superficial hook-ups rather than anything more long-term, personal compatibility algorithms can actually contribute to some seriously successful relationships for those who are lucky enough to meet their perfect match through a dating site. Research has shown that the resulting marriages not only last longer than their more traditional counterparts, but also deliver greater marital satisfaction.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/03/15/truth-online-dating-technology/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/03/15/truth-online-dating-technology/How to Effectively Tackle the Biggest Business Problems in 2018http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/g958lvznV_E/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/23/how-to-effectively-tackle-the-biggest-business-problems-in-2018/#respondTue, 23 Jan 2018 19:22:59 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5491No-one said running a company would be easy. The fast-paced business world can cause a variety of issues for your company to contend with, from technology advancements to legal changes. Learn how to effectively tackle the biggest business problems in 2018.

A Rise in Cybersecurity Threats

Multiple organizations across the world fell victim to cybercrime in 2017, and you can guarantee many more will fall foul of hackers’ malicious tactics within the next 12 months. You owe it to your business, employees, and customers to protect your network, which can prevent the destruction or theft of critical data. Avoid vulnerabilities through extensive employee training and the introduction of various security systems, such as firewalls, VPNs, encryption, and antivirus software.

Different Types of Business Fraud

There are multiple forms of fraudulent activities that can impact your business finances and longevity. While every business owner must place a level of trust in their employees, some business owners can place too much trust in their members of staff. It is an entrepreneur’s responsibility to learn more about the different types of business fraud, such as embezzlement, skimming, and internal theft.

If you suspect an employee is guilty of fraudulent activity, you will be happy to learn there are multiple ways to gain evidence of the crime. For example, you can hire eforensics services to uncover evidence, including emails, documents, internet browsing history, metadata, and application logs.

A Change in Consumer Expectations

One of the biggest problems businesses face is meeting ever-changing consumer expectations. For example, Amazon has led the way on exceeding expectation, as they have trained their customers to shop differently online and expect instant shipping upon request. As a result, most consumers expect the same level of service from other businesses, which is why businesses must strive to improve both their shipping processes and order fulfilment, so that they can remain popular with customers in a competitive marketplace; otherwise, you could lose them to retail giants or more forward-thinking rivals.

Market Oversaturation

With so much industry competition both on and offline, companies must look for ways to stand out from their rivals to capture their target audience’s attention. People are living busy lives, which is why you should attempt to develop a USP and engaging marketing campaign that will ensure the continued success of your business.

Political Changes

There have been numerous changes to tax laws and corporate regulations over the past 18 months, which were implemented by the new administration and Congress. CEOs will, therefore, need to ensure their companies successfully adapt to the legal changes to remain 100% compliant. It may, therefore, make perfect sense to hire a consultant to educate your company on the new changes; otherwise, you may risk fines or jail time for non-compliance.

Advanced Technologies

Bigger and better technologies are being added to the market each month, which have the potential to streamline your operations, increase business revenue, and improve customer satisfaction. If you do not integrate new technologies into your business, such as cloud computing or mobile app development, you could, unfortunately, be left behind in your industry.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/23/how-to-effectively-tackle-the-biggest-business-problems-in-2018/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/23/how-to-effectively-tackle-the-biggest-business-problems-in-2018/How Companies Are Doing Traditional Business Without Traditional Bankshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/nGBChl6GRrc/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/18/how-companies-are-doing-traditional-business-without-traditional-banks/#respondThu, 18 Jan 2018 11:19:28 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5487With the evolution of financial service technologies, businesses are now able to do business in more efficient ways without having to rely on traditional banks. Financial services being a crucial part of many business operations, many other ways have emerged to help businesses to grow without the bureaucracy associated with traditional banks. Some of these ways include:

Peer to peer lending systems

A peer to peer lending system works by making matches between lenders and borrowers directly. This is achieved using a service like LendingClub.com to provide the infrastructure necessary for such transactions. Rates depend on the length, amount and loan security. Businesses can also invest their money for reasonable interest rates. To maximise returns, consider lending directly to the P2P provider.

Use of Cryptocurrencies

This is a new way to spend, manage, and invest money, through use of digital currencies which rely on blockchain technologies. Blockchain allows safe and secure trading, eliminating the middleman formerly needed to facilitate or manage the transactions. One of the most popular cryptocurrencies today is Bitcoin.

Bitcoin blockchain is a single database massively distributed and replicated, without any central coordinating point. It lowers cost and as a multi-currency payment mechanism is faster, more secure and straightforward to use. The system uses safe wallets managed by users, and a distributed ledger controlled by the bitcoin blockchain.

From the customer’s view, the system is open, and as there is no central authority necessary, hence, no fees associated with intermediaries. Many businesses today are accepting bitcoin as payment.

Open banking methods

This is a connected ecosystem for financial and non-financial services with multiple underlying service providers. With this platform, businesses receive state-of-the-art products without being limited by the account relationships. Customers have the flexibility that they require and a unified-interoperable-interface.

Crowdfunding

With the tedious process of banks having to evaluate their client’s activities to ascertain trust, crowdfunding eliminates that process by relying on digital reputation to offer or fund businesses. This has made it more convenient for businesses to access money with low-interest rates, refinance or borrow instantly via their mobile phones, thus, empowering users with information on their financial well-being.

Some of the benefits attested by businesses using these various methods of working without traditional banks include:

Save money as no transaction fees are required as compared to traditional banking systems which need to charge some amount for processing your payments. Cryptocurrencies do not require a bank to verify your transaction again saving you on time.

Unlike traditional banks where you have to queue, blockchain technology has enabled businesses to process their money more quickly using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

Businesses have been allowed to trade globally without having to attach themselves with governments, transacting foreign currencies in a much faster way and more transparent exchange rates.

The ability of cryptocurrencies to fluctuate in value has offered many investors and businesses an investment opportunity. Some of them like bitcoin has recently become more stable building trust among investors.

Access to 24/7 customer service enabling them to get instant feedback and cultivate more informed financial decisions.

Businesses can secure their financial records more accurately and privately.

Enhanced data security from peer-to-peer lending systems.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/18/how-companies-are-doing-traditional-business-without-traditional-banks/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2018/01/18/how-companies-are-doing-traditional-business-without-traditional-banks/4 Digital Marketing Mistakes That You Can’t Afford to Make in 2018http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/3rVOaFK4xVk/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/12/06/4-digital-marketing-mistakes-that-you-cant-afford-to-make-in-2018/#respondWed, 06 Dec 2017 13:16:12 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=54812018 is just around the corner. More businesses will take advantage of digital marketing and online commerce this year. In fact, today’s digital marketing landscape is already very competitive as it is; the competition is about to heat up with new businesses, exciting new trends, and new online marketing instruments.

A competitive market means you have to be at your best to stay ahead. There is no room for mistakes and errors, especially when it comes to creating and maintaining a strong online presence. There are 4 digital marketing mistakes that you simply can’t afford to make in 2018.

No (or Weak) Call to Action

Online marketing is (mostly) about soft-selling, but don’t mistake soft-selling with not selling at all. You want to avoid hard sales pitches and blunt marketing efforts, but you still need a strong and clear call to action to garner user engagement.

Always add a clear and concise call to action to your online marketing materials. A simple “Buy Now” or “Learn More” is all that is needed to trigger responses from the audience in most cases. Not having these calls to action will only hamper the impact of your digital marketing.

Doing Everything Yourself

Digital marketing is an ongoing effort. It is also incredibly broad; you can’t expect the best results by using only one or two of the available instruments or channels. There are also a lot of challenges to tackle before you can achieve success on the internet. It doesn’t take much for these challenges to become overwhelming.

There are some tasks that you can do yourself, but don’t hesitate to work with professional marketing agencies such as Eventige to fully optimize your campaigns. It is much better to invest in an effective campaign than to waste time and money on half-hearted efforts.

Tracking the Wrong Metrics

As mentioned earlier, digital marketing is an ongoing effort. Part of that effort is evaluating the existing campaign and making fine adjustments whenever necessary. To be able to fine-tune your digital marketing campaign and boost its effectiveness, you must first track the correct metrics.

Exposure and followers count are great, but they don’t really tell the full story. You need to start focusing on user engagement, conversion, and even sales to fully understand the impact of the campaign.

Poor Integration

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the market is by utilizing the best marketing instruments available to you. Forget about formulating different campaigns for different channels. The hottest keyword to anticipate in 2018 is integration.

An integrated marketing campaign – where instruments such as content marketing and social media support each other – is the way to go. Through an integrated digital marketing effort, you can amplify your reach, be more consistent with your branding, and achieve greater results in the end.

One thing that is certain about digital marketing in 2018 is that it will be even more exciting than it is today. Avoid making the mistakes we covered in this article and you will be able to stay ahead of the market with your own digital activation campaigns.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/12/06/4-digital-marketing-mistakes-that-you-cant-afford-to-make-in-2018/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/12/06/4-digital-marketing-mistakes-that-you-cant-afford-to-make-in-2018/How the Cloud Makes You More Productivehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/6jX87fy05a0/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/10/07/how-the-cloud-makes-you-more-productive/#respondSat, 07 Oct 2017 07:34:07 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5437If you own a small business, or if you’re a freelancer who works with the same business on a regular basis, then you’ll be all about productivity. Anything that makes you and your enterprise more productive without costing the earth will be of great interest to you so if you haven’t already thought about it, now’s the time to climb onto the cloud. Over the next five or so years, it’s expected that most enterprises – of all sizes – will make the move and so anyone not cloud-based will be in a minority (and not in a good way).

Moving IT to a cloud server is good for productivity in lots of ways – here’s just a few.

You’ll reduce or even eliminate annoying IT problems

Using the cloud means that all the backroom IT stuff is taken care of by someone else (yay!). If you use a cloud server from Probrand, for example, then Probrand takes on all the operational work to keep things ticking along nicely – updates, security reviews, maintenance and so on – leaving you free to concentrate on what you do best.

The cloud is very secure

One fear that a lot of business owners have is that the cloud isn’t safe or secure; they prefer to keep everything under their own roof, as it were. Of course, moving over to the cloud involves relinquishing some control, but those third-party hands are usually very safe indeed. Cloud providers have a vested interest in being secure, so they work hard at it and know what they’re doing.

The cloud is cheaper

All businesses and freelancers want to make a profit – that’s the whole point. Of course, getting more hours or more orders is one way to do this, but cutting down operational costs is another sure-fire way to a profit. Using a cloud server is cheap, it’s also predictable and often flat-rate. Another benefit is the fact that it can be scaled up or down. The cloud doesn’t need company energy, either. Or company IT staff. Every little bit helps…

People collaborate under the cloud

Most companies that take collaboration seriously and invest in it find their productivity increases two or threefold. The cloud is a cheap, easy form of collaboration technology and helps workers to communicate and work together regardless of their locations. They can access files, edit them, create them and send to a central location, from where everyone else can get into them. There’s no more sending multiple emails, forgetting the attachment, sending several more emails…

You’re much safer from data disaster

If there’s a fire at your premises, or a flood, or your servers crash or you’re hacked, then the loss of data can finish your business off. Of course, you should have off-site back-ups, but not everyone can afford this, or remembers to perform a weekly back-up. It’s easily forgotten.

By using a cloud server, businesses can rest assured that their providers will be doing regular back-ups as part of the service; they also have the will and the budget to work on security innovations and pass them on to end-users at affordable rates. There’s no greater productivity-killer than irretrievable data.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/10/07/how-the-cloud-makes-you-more-productive/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/10/07/how-the-cloud-makes-you-more-productive/How To Thank Customers For Their Businesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/doboo3PBgug/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/25/how-to-thank-customers-for-their-business/#respondFri, 25 Aug 2017 11:52:29 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5431Your most loyal customers are what keep you in business. They always come back ready to spend money and brag about how great your company is to others. These are the type of clients who should be rewarded for their enthusiasm. The success of your company depends upon their satisfaction.

It’s easy to forget about these people when you get busy trying to reach new customers and hit your sales goals. Always have them at the forefront of your mind and be cultivating your relationship with them. It’s a big mistake to take their business for granted. See how to thank customers for their business.

Tell them

Verbalize your gratitude to your loyal customers. Tell them how wonderful they are and how much you appreciate their business. They may never hear it and be honored that you took the time to speak with them. Give them a call or take them out for coffee. Listen to what they have to say and explain to them what improvements you’re making on your end. Have a conversation and learn more about them as a person. This is your target audience so you should be concerned with their needs and wants.

Reward them

A simple reward is all it takes to make your customers happy. Gift certificates have long been a smart gift idea for consumers. Use an online gift certificate maker to design a customized offering made for your special clients. Adobe Spark offers users the ability to create custom gift certificates so that the certificates themselves are attractive and professional-looking, and so that they represent a brand well. Once your gift card design is finished, you can easily print it, give it to customers and make it available in stores. They’ll be thrilled to be able to get your product at a discounted price.

Host A Customer Appreciation Event

Throw your loyal customers a night to remember. Host a customer appreciation event that’s memorable and shows your gratitude for their business. Do it without asking for any type of request in return. Make it a relaxing evening where you show them a good time without any sales component. Encourage them to post pictures of themselves having a good time on social media. Make a short presentation expressing your gratitude for their business and sharing any special announcements or innovations before it’s told to the public.

Incentivize Introductions & Referrals

Give customers a reason to tell others about you. Maybe they’ve already been doing it, but now you can let them know that they’ll be rewarded for doing so with special offers and gifts. These introductions are important to your business and worth investing a little bit to encourage current customers to spread the word. Give customers a reason to recommend you and they’re sure to send business your way.

Conclusion

Customers are what keep your business afloat. Make sure they know how much you appreciate them so they stick around for a long time. These are ways for how to thank customers for their business.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/25/how-to-thank-customers-for-their-business/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/25/how-to-thank-customers-for-their-business/Online industry: Three to Keep an Eye Onhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/v03Hdv8V2jY/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/02/online-industry-three-to-keep-an-eye-on/#respondWed, 02 Aug 2017 09:43:31 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5428For nearly the last three decades, online industries have grown and developed. In the early days of the internet, people tended to be more fascinated by the concept of an online market place than actually investing in it or conducting transactions online.

With the early success of sites like eBay and Amazon, governments and people across the world took notice of e-commerce and have been developing it ever since. Like any marketplace, the internet has seen its ups and downs but it’s here to stay. At the moment, here’s our top three industries to keep an (investor’s) eye on:

Cryptocurrencies

One of the more interesting facets of the e-economy is cryptocurrency. As an alternative to nation-backed currencies such as the dollar or pound, cryptocurrencies perfectly reflect the truly global nature of online industry. Such currency that’s pegged exclusively to its market value and isn’t influenced by government economic policy, and in 2017, it’s drawing the same kind of attention that gold and silver do. Nowadays, people create bitcoin wallets online that allow for easy access to trading bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Considering the current value of bitcoin ($2690) and the performance of the cryptocurrency market in general, the role bitcoin plays in future industry and investment will be of top interest.

Gaming

Gambling is one of the earliest industries to start conducting operations online. While such pursuits have always been quite popular, it took a while for governments to sort out the legal statuses of online casinos. After the “poker boom” of 2003, where online poker and especially the Texas Hold’em variant gained near-instant popularity due to the results for a major worldwide poker tournament, the industry has continued to grow. In 2017, much of the focus is placed on providing players with a number of variants of poker and other casino games, including 7 Card Stud and Omaha Hi for poker. It seems like what’s also called iGaming is In fact, for a digital industry, it’s starting to have a palpable real-world presence. Online poker giants like 888poker are investing in real-world events. Live poker tournaments and sponsorship deals bring more awareness to the company’s online poker apps and websites. With such investment, the industry is likely to grow further.

Hospitality and Tourism

While hotels and airlines were some of the first industries to go online in the 90s, as well as casinos, there as been a revolution in recent years. Companies like Airbnb and Uber have decentralized long-established industries like hotels and taxis. And both brands have come head-to-head with unions and governments as a result, as legal question marks are sorted out by authorities around the world. With how much these companies changed the way many people—mostly younger—find places to stay when on holiday and get taxis around cities, the new hospitality industry isn’t going anywhere. As governments adopt new laws and regulations for the hospitality and tourism industry it will become firmly established in the modern economy.

While e-commerce has not always played a major role in the GDP of countries and at its inception was seen more as a novelty than an industry, the online market place has become entirely indispensable. From Silicon Valley to more recent comers like Cluj, Romania, a hub for digital development in central and eastern Europe, e-commerce and the internet have become crucial parts of the economy and influence every aspect of our lives, from business to socialising to entertainment.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/02/online-industry-three-to-keep-an-eye-on/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/08/02/online-industry-three-to-keep-an-eye-on/The Secrets of Successful British Start-ups You Can Emulatehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/3bSYol6qqG4/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/26/the-secrets-of-successful-british-start-ups-you-can-emulate/#respondWed, 26 Jul 2017 18:41:37 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5425The UK has proven to be a fertile ground for entrepreneurs who aren’t scared to roll up their sleeves and chase their dreams. But as there have been victors in the world of UK start-ups, there have also been losers. Most individuals who started businesses in the UK and failed had such befall them because they failed to follow certain necessary principles in starting and carrying on their business.

If you intend for your business to be on the list of successful British start-ups and not on the list of failed businesses, you can start by simply emulating these following success secrets of winning entrepreneurs;

1. Prepare for the future

The current economic world isn’t the same as it was 5 years ago and it will likely not be the same 5 years from now. Smart and successful entrepreneurs are aware of this and thus ensure that their business is capable of adapting and making the best of economic changes or any other type of change. A business that lacks the flexibility to take advantage of sudden opportunities and avoid unforeseen risk stands a high chance of being crushed by the ever changing market. Thus, if you would like to own a successful British start-up, keep an eye on market trends that can affect your business and be ready to respond appropriately to any sudden changes in your market environment. Knowing how the market has evolved till date is an effective way of predicting likely future changes.

2. Work with the right team

Even if you are the sole owner of your business, you will likely still need a team to help you accomplish your goals. Successfulentrepreneurs are not afraid to listen to the opinions of others and neither do they decline help. This is because they understand that different perspectives offer better options on how to effectively overcome obstacles. Thus, make sure to have a capable team who shares your business goals and is willing to work as hard as you to ensure your start-up’s success.

3. Insurance

Successful entrepreneurs never toy with insuring their equipment, business premises, and assets. This is because an accident can easily cripple a business if a business owner is unable to recover from property losses. But with comprehensive insurance coverage, a business can easily bounce back from losses brought on by an accident and get back to work.

4. Using all available tools

Thanks to constant innovation, tools at the disposal of entrepreneurs to guarantee their success are many. Thus, do what the smart entrepreneurs do and use as many of these tools as necessary to the advantage of your business. One key tool with many uses that you should never ignore is the internet. You can use it to research and monitor your market (competitors and clients), advertise, communicate, network, make sales and so much more. Avoid getting left behind and always stay updated on new tools, innovations, as well as new ways you can use old tools to the advantage of your start-up.

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/26/the-secrets-of-successful-british-start-ups-you-can-emulate/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/26/the-secrets-of-successful-british-start-ups-you-can-emulate/How to Survive a Business Trip on Your Carry Onhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/rFcXvn3e3k4/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/03/how-to-survive-a-business-trip-on-your-carry-on/#respondMon, 03 Jul 2017 09:06:05 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5403If you are a fan of movies, then you might have seen a film called Up in the Air. The scene where George Clooney walks his new proteje through what to pack in a carry on and why she only needs one for a business trip is memorable. The truth about business travel, more so when done frequently, is that you have to learn how to survive it on your carry on alone. Why? First of all because of costs – it’s cheaper to only bring a carry on when you travel for a short while. Second, because things happen, baggage gets lost, and you will be forced to deal with only what you brought in your carry on. So whether you check your bag or not, you’ll have pack as if your carry on is all you’ve got.

The caveat about a business trip is that you have less space than on a normal, leisure trip. Why? Because you need your laptop to work, and that takes space. You need a power bank to stay connected when you don’t have time to recharge your phone during meetings, and all those gadgets will take up space.

But other than your gadgets, what do you need to survive your business trip on your carry on? Here’s a list of what you should pack, to help you through any emergencies, including delays, traffic jams, and so on:

Minimal Toiletries to Freshen up – make sure you are aware of in-flight limitations about what you can bring. If you’re a man, things will probably be a lot easier, but if you need to stick some make up in there, you’ll have to pay extra attention to your liquids. If you want to keep it on the budget – buy containers for the airport, and fill them up with your toiletries, rather than getting the travel sized items (which tend to be a lot more expensive)

Pack one or two changes of clothes – a business suit with spare shirts/blouses would do. Regardless of gender, keep it versatile – find something that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Underwear and other items, including accessories should also be on your list.

Spare shoes – I recommend wearing a more comfortable pair while you travel, and pack a pair that can go easily from day to night. Even if your comfortable shoes work through that transition, bring a spare. Take it from someone who’s had shoes break on several trips. Having a spare saves you time, and it’s faster than having to buy a new pair. Cheaper too. Plus, who wants to walk around town with a broken shoe, trying to find a replacement?

Pack a towel – I prefer the microfiber towels and I get mine from Snappy Towels. The reason I prefer these is because they absorb a lot of liquid, they dry easily, and they are super light and easy to pack. They won’t take too much space in a carry on, and if you’re stuck in a plane for too long, or your flight is delayed, and you don’t have time to stop by your hotel before your business meeting, you can still wash up and freshen up real quickly in a restroom. Plus, if your hotel disappoints and you either don’t like their towels, or you don’t feel comfortable with them, you’re saved.

Noise cancelling headphones / earplugs, sleeping mask, and a neck pillow – when you spend a lot of time on the road, getting enough rest is extremely important. Crying babies, noisy travel companions, long layovers in airports, if you need to nap or sleep, you have to make sure you can. Travel takes its toll on you, and you shouldn’t add up to it.

Splurge items – Once you’re done packing all of this, if you still have space in your bag (and you’re not over the weight limit), add any other items you don’t need but help you relax, feel better, and just enjoy your trip. Like clothes you love, or a pair of trainers.

Hope you’ve found this list helpful. If you have anything to add to it, please do so in the comments. If you have any crazy travel stories, we’d love to hear those too, especially if they involve losing your luggage, or having to survive on a carry on!

]]>http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/03/how-to-survive-a-business-trip-on-your-carry-on/feed/0http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/07/03/how-to-survive-a-business-trip-on-your-carry-on/3 Road Trips from Melbournehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WordsOfABrokenMirror/~3/RTMhrtI3nTg/
http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/2017/06/29/3-road-trips-from-melbourne/#respondThu, 29 Jun 2017 18:54:55 +0000http://wordsofabrokenmirror.com/?p=5407Next time you are in Melbourne on business, consider taking an extra few days for an exciting or relaxing Australian road trip. Melbourne is a great city to visit, but there are diverse places you can get to from Melbourne like The Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, or the quaint towns of the Yarra Valley. So hire a car in Melbourne from any of Budget Australia’s convenient locations and head out for a fun road trip excursion you will always remember.

The Great Ocean Road

The Twelve Apostles The town of Lorne on the Great Ocean Road Photo Credit: Wikipedia Cape Otway Lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road Photo Credit: VisitVictoria.com The Grotto Photo Credit: Visit12Apostles.com.au The Arch Photo Credit: Visit12Apostles.com.au

If you are in Melbourne, then one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world is just around the corner. The Great Ocean Road is an amazing road trip along the southern coast of Victoria which is filled with amazing sights and dramatic landscapes courtesy of Mother Nature. The actual trip from Torquay to Port Fairy is 243 kilometres. Here are some highlights of the road trip:

Torquay Beach (Gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the surf capital of Australia)

The Mornington Peninsula is south of Melbourne just about an hour’s drive, but it seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Even though the peninsula is small, there is so much to do here including relaxing on the beaches, exploring the coastal cliffs, enjoying the resorts, and dining on the fresh grown local vegetables produced by the rich soil of the peninsula. Foodies often frequent this destination because of the amazing array of fresh produce grown here, the wine from the region, and the fresh fish caught just off the coast. Then there are the luxurious Peninsula Hot Springs which are the only natural thermal mineral springs day spa in all of Australia.

The valley of the Dandenong Ranges is just east of Melbourne and you can make a round trip in just one day or choose to stay longer experiencing the quiet and quaint valley life. This is a rich wine growing area, so you will find vineyards, wineries and dining options pairing the local wines with delicious delicacies. You can take a scenic trip on the Puffing Billy Railway, visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary, go on a hot air balloon ride, or visit the kitschy local businesses of the valley.